Department of Ecology News Release - Nov. 6, 2000 00-217 Looking for water rights to buy or lease OLYMPIA - Homeowners, farmers, businesses and others in the Methow Valley who have a water right to sell or lease should plan to attend public workshops on Tuesday, Nov. 14. In 1999, the state legislature provided $1 million to the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to purchase or lease water rights to put water back into streams where water flows are too low for fish runs. This year the legislature directed Ecology to make an effort to spend at least half of that money in the Methow basin. "We realize that trust could be a major obstacle in getting people to sell their water right to the Department of Ecology," said Joe Williams, special assistant to Ecology's director. "These workshops will give people a chance to see what we're looking for and how they may benefit from the opportunity to lease or sell their water." People may attend two workshops on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 2-4 p.m. and at 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Twisp Senior Center, 215 Highway 20, in Twisp. At the workshops, Ecology staff will talk with people about what they look for in making purchase or lease decisions. The department will be looking for valid, current water rights - including permits, certificates and claims. Williams said the water-buying program is already showing success. This fall, Ecology is signing transactions totaling $420,000 to return 1,730 gallons of water per minute to the Methow and Walla Walla rivers. Ecology and the Washington Water Trust, a nonprofit conservation group, recently leased approximately 190 gallons of water per minute for $5,000 a year. The three-year lease involves Methow River water that has been used by an irrigator for hay and animal pastures. In addition, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently worked with Ecology and the Washington Water Trust to lease two separate water rights or uses in the Methow area. One lease involves putting water back into Beaver Creek, and the other involves putting water back into the Methow River. Under the leases, WDFW will return the water back to the stream at no cost.
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